Great Work Mexico Mission Team!!
Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church Newsletter
Weekly Happenings at SHPC    
June 22, 2017
Summer Storytelling Starts    
Awakening the Spirit- Stories from Four Faiths

     Is your spirit awake, or are you traveling through life dozing? This
Sunday, June 25th, 2017 at 9:30 a.m., we'll explore awakening stories from Buddhism and the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 
     Beloved stories point the way, but there are as many ways to wake up as there are people. Let's wake up!
In This Issue
Quick Links
Bev piano
A Note From 
Pastor Bev

This Sunday we're starting our summer storytelling series with Awakening the Spirit, and serendipitously, we're experiencing quite a hot spell.  That makes it so much easier to wake up early in the morning!  Even night owls like me have to admit that the early morning hour near dawn is rich with spiritual energy.  What a perfect opportunity to awaken to the Presence of the Holy.  
 
When life heats up, spiritual energy will keep us from wilting.  The Spirit kindles our inner fire and gives us energy for all of life: ups, downs, sorrows, changes, conflict, loss, even aging. The Spirit calls us to commit to caring community, a place to share who we truly are, and to become who God is calling us to be.  
 
I'm really looking forward to our summer of story sharing!
 
In the Spirit,
Bev 


June/July Calendar
Friday, June 23
                    NOON
 
Bible Study
Sunday, June 25
                   9:30 a.m.
                   10:30 a.m.
SUMMER STORYTELLING BEGINS
Awakening the Spirit
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome


Sunday, June 25- 30
Pastor Bev will be away teaching at Zephyr Experience at the PC (USA) Retreat at Lake Tahoe. She will be reachable by cell for pastoral care emergencies.
Wednesday, June 28
                  7:30 p.m.


SHPC Singers- All Welcome
Friday, June 30
                  

Bible Study Cancelled Today - Bev Away
Sunday, July 2
                   9:30 a.m.
                  10:30 a.m.

SUMMER STORYTELLING CONTINUES
Coffee and Fellowship - All Welcome
Wednesday, July 5
                  7:30 p.m.

SHPC Singers- All Welcome

Bible Study Friday, June 23 at NOON 
Genesis Chapters 12 and 15
 
Please Remember in Your Prayers

Our graduates, congratulations and blessings!
Our Mexico Mission home builders, thanksgiving for a successful mission and homecoming;
Katie Brendler, may God's loving presence and comfort abide with her and her family as they mourn the loss of Katie's dear Father;
Jeri Rayford and her family, grieving the loss of Prentis,  for God's loving presence, strength, and support in their bereavement;
Jody Brockett and her family, grieving the loss of Jody's mother Jeanne, prayers for the family to feel God's comfort and peace;
Shannon Mong, for complete healing for her left hand, and for God's presence, support, and assistance in not over-working while healing;
Kelsey Lopin, for continued flourishing, creativity, and energy as she pursues her education and excels in art;
Andrea Proster, sister of Nancy Elberg, for complete healing, and for Nancy to continue to feel God's abiding presence in companioning her;
Victims of gun violence, and their loved ones, and those who lose all hope and resort to violence, may God heal them;
The hungry, especially all those depending on the US government for food aid here and abroad;
Those fearing loss of medical insurance, for accurate information and honest, humane decision making by our leaders in Congress;
Those living in the shadows and fearing deportation, for safety, security for their families and children, a path to citizenship, and sanctuary;
Our country, for a way forward where we live our values of justice and equality for all people; for a well-informed citizenry; for government of, by, and for the people, with leaders of integrity, and for an end to hate crimes;
The refugees and displaced , almost 1 out of 100 people in the world today, for safety, homes, the basics of life, and freedom from being scapegoated;
Our Muslim neighbors, subject to Islamophobia and hate crimes;
Our planet, the world's poor, all who suffer from disruptive climate change, may we continue our work to keep the planet livable;
Praying Hands
The PC(USA), for the way forward to be illuminated, and for our mission and ministries to be salt and light for the world;
Dr. Doug Tilton, our PC(USA) mission co-worker in Southern Africa;
Our church, for the Spirit to continue to guide us and fill us with energy for mission!

Please take time this week to pray for those on our list.
     
Calling all Gardeners - Stop in and join the fun!


     This Saturday, June 24, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., We're going to take advantage of the cool-down to plant chard,beets, lettuce,and tie tomatoes. If you have an hour to help come join!

     All are welcome!

--Patti Vance
Congratulations to all the Graduates!

We'd love to share more photos - just 
Sydney & Ryan 
DHS- 2017

send to the office!



Owen Hamilton
DHS- 2017

(L) Carter Stewart - DHS 2017

Lucas Mong
MPMS- 2017
Vicky Sarkisian - Northeastern University 2017
Mexico Mission Return Service

Our team built four homes in four days! If you have not seen their journey, go on their blog SHPC Mexico Mission Trip and check out the pictures!

The team returned Saturday, June 17th and on Sunday, June 18th we had a wonderful Return Service and Potluck Brunch for the group led by the Mexico Mission Students.

Thank you again to those who set up and cleaned up, and to all who brought something yummy to share.

Thank you to all those that donated to help support the group.
From the church and the Mexico Mission team--

 Thank you to Frankie Eakes and Nancy Elberg for the 6 a.m. Send Off Breakfast!  

Report from Session - June 14, 2017 Meeting  

Finance- Doug - The final Let's Talk Church Finance discussion will be scheduled soon. The Session has now studied church finance in depth, and will be preparing a report for the congregation with findings. A helpful resource was presented at the June 1 meeting and is available here:
Building and Grounds - Ahmed -  LMP Lease renewal is on track, with excellent church-tenant relations.  Assessment of maintenance and upgrading needs of church and manse continues.
Family Ministries - Janel - Youth improv night, summer mini-camp, and interfaith gatherings discussed.  Budget is an issue for hiring a director and staffing our program to meet the opportunities God has given us.
Mission - Patti - Mission is thriving on all fronts.  We look forward to welcoming back the MM team this Sunday.
Deacons - Kit - We're looking forward to the MM Potluck Brunch after the service this Sunday.
Moderator - Bev - Further Elder Education on healthy church, congregation-presbytery-synod relations. 

Dennis Latta
Clerk of Session 

World Refugee Day, June 20th



World Refugee Day was June 20th, and the Stated Clerk, J. Herbert Nelson shared his opinion writing a public letter to the U.S. Congress regarding the country's immigration policy.




For the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s observance of World Refugee Day on June 20, Stated Clerk Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II sent a public letter to members of the U.S. Congress urging them to "choose welcome over isolation and fear" as they debate the country's immigration policy.
 
Specifically, Rev. Nelson asked legislators to "do everything in their power to rescind the actions of the three refugee-related presidential executive orders to prevent them from taking effect." In his letter, Rev. Nelson outlined the PC(USA)'s long history of support for expansive immigration policies and its congregations' ministries of welcome and outreach to immigrants to this country.

"This is a moment in our history when we can choose to be on the side of righteousness and justice," Rev. Nelson wrote. "This is a moment when we as a nation can choose welcome."

This letter is part of the "Letter-a-Day" campaign organized by the  Interfaith Immigration Coalition. Amanda Craft, manager of advocacy with the Office of the General Assembly (OGA)'s Office of Immigration Issues, stated that the campaign is "aimed to send a sustained message to members of Congress and their staff, that a wide variety of stakeholders support refugee resettlement."

To read more go here to read the full text of Rev. Nelson's letter to Congress.
 
Stop the AHCA in the Senate!
 
Call 1-888-738-3058 Now!
The Senate would rather keep it quiet, but we need to make some more noise about healthcare. Call your Senators at 1-888-738-3058 now to oppose the American Health Care Act (AHCA).
 
The Senate is where this bill will live or die -- and we just heard from Senate offices that numbers of phone calls have dropped to pre-election levels. We need to keep the pressure up (in Republican and Democratic offices!) because people's lives are on the line.
 
If the AHCA becomes law, 23 million people will lose health coverage, Medicaid will be cut by $834 billion, and the very wealthiest will be $660 billion richer through the Trojan horse tax breaks in this legislation. This is cruel, irresponsible, and deadly. The Senate is restricted in what changes it can make to this terrible bill -- and your calls can save the lives of millions of Americans by stopping the AHCA once and for all.
 
Our scriptures affirm our moral responsibility to ensure all may live with dignity and the opportunity to recognize their full potential. Access to affordable, quality health care should not and cannot be a privilege; it is a requirement rooted in faith to protect the life and dignity of every person.
 
Call your Senators at 1-888-738-3058 NOW to oppose the AHCA and protect Medicaid.  Call twice to reach both Senators.  
 
Please welcome our new interim office administrator and communications associate, Kara New, who is our newsletter editor while Katie Brendler is away.  Kara is a rising senior at Dominican University, majoring in communications and media, and she is currently interning for the Warriors AND the SF Giants!  You can reach her at the office email,
     
 
coin-stack-chessboard.jpg
  
Sunday Offering Counters Needed

Members needed to count the offering and deposit the funds in the bank each week.  You'll be teamed up with a veteran!  Contact Doug or the office if you are interested in this important way of serving the church.


     Wil has moved!
Wil would like you to know that he has moved to Alma Via in Terra Linda.  YES, he still plans to come to church! At Alma Via, he'll have 3 meals a day, and so now he'll be inviting US to eat with him!  Please call the church office to get his new cell phone number.

And thank him for his Food Barrel ministry!
WE ALL LOVE FELLOWSHIP-- PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP OUT

NEW FOLKS - We will match you with a veteran so that you can be trained on our highly complex coffeemaker and have FUN!

Fellowship time is organized by your Deacons. We need everyone to sign-up about 3-4 times a year. 
Click below to sign up: 
Sign up now and keep the hospitality
 going!

Don't be shy, Greeting is a Treat!
 
We've updated the signups for the new year!  

Help with our ministry of hospitality by signing up to be a greeter! All you have to do is get to church by 9:15, light the candles, and hand out bulletins with a smile. Thank you to all who have signed up so far!


Thank you all for your continued support,
Jody Brockett, 
Worship Elder
 

Drew and Janel invite us to a special 
Improv night! 
Summer Blockbuster Series:
Meanwhile in Marin
  

Improv Marin brings people together through spontaneity. They produce improv workshops, performances, and events to educate, entertain, and inspire the people of Marin (and beyond) to work and play better together.


Friday, June 30th, 8:00pm- 9:45pm, West End Studio Theater
 

1554 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
             
For tickets & info
Check out the website here


 
 


Free Parent Support Group
The Muir Woods Adolescent and Family Services provides two free services for parents. 

"Navigating Parenting of a Teen Suffering from Substance Use Issues"

2nd Saturday of every month from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm 

Giving parents the opportunity to share experiences and give insight from pears. 


"The Sky Is The Limit, Boundaries are the Base"
4th Saturday of every month from 11:00 am- 12:30 pm
A multi-parent process group focused on psycho-education, family support and healthy relationships with their child.

For more information go to their website www.MuirWoodTeen.com 
 
Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide fellowship of men and women who help each other to maintain sobriety through sharing their recovery experience with others. 

Looking for more information? Check out the San Francisco/Marin AA website for more information including meeting times and places, including meetings at Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church every Tuesday at 8:30pm

24-hour hotline is also available for immediate listening and guidance if wished -
·        6pm-10am in Marin 415-499-0400
·       10am-6pm - SF Central Office (415) 674-1821 (they will refer Marin callers to Marin resources)

Sleepy Hollow Presbyterian Church
100 Tarry Road
San Anselmo, CA  94960
Kara New,  Editor
E-mail us at shpchurch@comcast.net or call us at 415-453-8221